Parish Pastoral Council

To meet the challenges that lie ahead in 2008, a restructured Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) was conceptualized in the preliminary meetng of the incoming PPC Executive Committee (EXECOM) held at the Mangubat Residence on November 10, 2007.

The structure of the PPC EXECOM is composed of Father Luke Dobles as the PPC Head. Immediately supporting Father Luke are the Council of Elders headed by Kuya Tony and Ate Lina Feliciano, the Religious Congregations headed by Sister Au Gucila of the Daughters of Mary, and the Parish Auditor Kuya Buddy Lising, assisted by Ate Linda Duritan.

Assisting Father Luke in implementing the various activities and projects of the Parish are PPC Coordinators Kuya Toti and Ate Cora Mangubat, with Ate Shirley Ruiz as Assistant Coordinator, Ate Cecil Jimenez as Treasurer, with Ate Elsa Maskarino as Assistant Treasurer, and Ate Aida Arines as Secretary, with Ate Bel Geronimo as Assistant Secretary.

The PPC Core is composed of the Parish EXECOM and the Heads of the various committees such as the Worship, Evangelization, Service, Temporalities, Youth, Family and Life, Ways and Means, and Mass Media.

The following pastoral workers were appointed heads of the PPC committees: Ate Josie Cruz for the Worship Committee, Sister Au Gucila for the Evangelization Committee, Kuya Boy Temporal for both the Service and Temporalites Committees, Kuya Kevin Salonga for the Youth Committee, and Kuya Oca and Ate Lety Calma for the Ways and Means Committee.

The various organizations and ministries under the Worship Committee are: the Mother Butler Guild (MBG) headed by Ate Paquita Cruz, the Apostleship of Prayer (AP) headed by Dr. Lou Sarmiento, the Ministry of Commentators and Lectors (COMLEC) headed by Ate Shirley Ruiz, the Special Ministers of Holy Communion (SMHC) headed by Kuya Leo Duritan, the Ministry of Altar Servers (MAS) headed by Kuya Joseph Lising, and the Music Ministry (MUSIC) headed by Ate Sylvia Tan.

The Evangelization Committee is composed of the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) and the five Area Heads headed by Ate Lulu Visaya, the Legion of Mary by Ate Josie Tolentino, and the Block Rosary Crusade (BRC) headed by Ate Cora Bartolome.

The Service Committee is composed of the Knights of Columbus (K of C), headed by Grand Knight Kuya Salvador Pascua, Jr., the Restorative Justice Ministry (RJM), and several newly formed ministries.

The Family and Life Committee will be composed of the Marriage Encounter (ME) and the two groups belonging to the Couples for Christ (CFC).

Kuya Oca and Ate Lety are currently scouting for members for the Ways and Means Committee.

The Parish Organizational Structure was presented before the members of the PPC Core on November 30, 2007 at the Claretian Novitiate House. The members of the PPC EXECOM and the PPC Core were installed on December 9, 2007 in a Holy Mass officiated by Bishop Antonio Tobias coinciding with the installation of Father Luke Dobles as the new Parish Priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

In June of this year, the proposed new Diocesan realignment of parish ministries and organizations was presented to the PPC body for review and ratification. Consequently, the amendments and changes were incorporated into the Organogram to reflect the unique character of SLRP.

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Ministry of Altar Servers

The Ministry of Altar Servers (MAS) consists of a group of young men and women who serve as lay assistants and attend to religious tasks during the Holy Mass. Altar server responsibilities include leading the processional of the cross, candles, incense and thurible during special mass celebrations; assisting the priest in receiving the gifts of bread, wine and other offerings; preparing the chalice and cruets; and performing special tasks during the Consecration of gifts.

MAS Officers

Coordinator: Vince Yap
Assistant Coordinators: Ivan Capistrano
Secretary: Alisa Ortonio
Treasurer: Ezekiel Porlares

Adviser: Kuya Fred Senodo
Parent Advisers: Kuya Cesar & Ate Mayette Tiongson

Spiritual Director: Father Luke Dobles

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Ministry of the Word

Initially called the Lectors’ Guild, the Ministry of Commentators and Lectors (COMLEC) came to existence even before the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish was established. When the group was then informally organized, those who were tapped to serve during the mass were either referrals or known in the neighborhood to be good readers.

Ate Chuchi Calma first headed the group until 1994. The succeeding coordinators are as follows: Sally So (1994), Melody Encinas (1994-1997), Gigi Rojas (1998-2003), Josie Cruz (2003-2005), Bimbot Sevilla (2005-2007,Shirley Ruiz (2007-2009) and Josie Cruz (2009-present).

Through the years, the ministry focused on the members’ ongoing formation organized by the archdiocese, diocese, or parish, retreats, recollection, and COMLEC development programs, in order to shape its members to become better individuals and servants of the Lord. COMLEC has likewise played a major role in parish activities such as the Mutya ng San Lorenzo, SLRP Book
Fair and other fund-raising projects.

At present, the ministry continues to be involved in liturgical celebrations like the church and street masses, processions, confirmation and weddings. Those who are interested to serve as commentators and lectors need to undergo a screening process and are required to take part in the ongoing formation programs. With the reorganization of the PPC and its ministries, the COMLEC also adopted its new name Ministry of the Word last August 2009.

COMLEC Officers

Coordinator: Josie Cruz

Assistant Coordinator: Karen Yap
Secretary: Egie Fabella
Assistant Secretary 1: Melinda Santos

Assistant Secretary 2: Bimbot Sevilla
Treasurer: Neni Aguirre
Assistant Treasurer 1: Heidi Temporal
Assistant Treasurer 2: Viloy Alcantara

Auditor: Bing Lising

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Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion

The Special Ministers of the Holy Communion (SMHC) is a ministry of men especially commissioned by the Parish Priest to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as well as bring communion to the sick, the disabled and aged parishioners unable to attend mass.

On January 29, 1973, Pope John Paul VI decreed IMMENSE CARITATIS – “On Facilitating Communion in Certain Circumstances” regarding the need of the laity to assist the priest in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist during the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. The Holy Eucharist is the center of the Greatest Love of Jesus Christ for all. It is necessary to facilitate the distribution of the Holy Communion to those communicants in need.

Over the years, through the leadership of past coordinators Ananias Hernandez, Renato Tribdino, Ceferino Hermano, Renato Arcega and the present head, Leo Duritan, the ministry continues to flourish. It has expanded its involvement in a number of liturgical and pastoral activities of the parish.

To date, there are nineteen (19) SMHC in the parish.

SMHC Officers

Coordinator: Leo Duritan
Vice Coordinator: Boy Temporal
Secretary: Cesar Tiongson
Treasurer: Buddy Lising

Members:
Rene Arcega
Oscar Calma
Sonny Del Rosario
Joe Era
Tony Feliciano
Kerrel Flor
Ed Geronimo
Ceferino Hermano
Audie Lavador
Toti Mangubat
Sol Nacion
Mike Parayno
Bong Untalan
Gany Vidanes
Al Yap

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Mother Butler Guild

Mother Marie Joseph Butler, an Irish nun of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, encouraged the students of Marymouth College in USA to sew vestments and linen and to procure sacred vessels for distribution to the needy parishes. In the late 50’s, some Filipino women who were in contact with the said College began the apostolate of giving altar paraphernalia to poor parishes that marked the growth of Mother Butler Guild (MBG) in the Philippines. In 1961 and 1976, the Archdiocese of Manila and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recognized the MBG as an organization of Catholic lay women who take care of the sacristy needs of the parish. It has then been a member of the Episcopal Commission on Lay Apostolate.

At San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, the MBG was formed in 1988 with Luz H. Hizon as the first President until 1995. The Guild was entrusted with resource generation particularly on the construction of the parish church then. During the term of Nova Gallegos, the second President from 1996-2001, the Guild’s spiritual formation was highly emphasized. The MBG thrust was later expanded to socio-economic projects when Cecilia C. Jimenez became its third President in 2002-2003. As the fourth President in 2004-2005, Marietta C. Tiongson encouraged the members to focus in the sacristy work and altar preparation.

The MBG Spirituality

The MBG members are:

Servants of Jesus, our Servant-God.
They are called and chosen by the Lord to church service.

Women of the Eucharist.
They draw their life from the Eucharist gazing to the Lord present in the altar.

Housekeepers of the Lord.
They humbly, lovingly and joyfully keep in order the house of the Lord.

The SLRP MBG Unit

Presently, there are 49 active members, 8 honorary members, 4 candidates, and 15 inactive members. The organization is divided into 5 area groups which are headed by a leader and assistant leader. The MBG has been providing the vestments for all the parish and guest priests of SLRP. There are some occasions that it lends vestments to nearby congregations and parishes. For all celebrated masses, it provides clean altar linens based on liturgical colors and feasts. In addition, the MBG purchases the hosts, wines, candles, incense, and sacred vessels, and arranges flowers for the sanctuary. It has improved the offertory table, devised an organizer for the collection baskets, throne for the monstrance, and other enhancements in the celebration of the Holy Mass and sacraments. It makes sure that altar needs are in place before the mass, and properly kept after the mass. The Guild also supervises the identification of those who will offer during the mass, and collection during the offertory. Furthermore, it leads in the cleaning of the church and its periphery.

To cater to the needs of other parishioners, it spearheads livelihood seminars such as cooking, sewing, hotel & restaurant services, reflexology, and food preservation. For the members’ spiritual enrichment, it coordinates an annual close retreat, attends MBG Diocesan Recollection, MBG Vicariate Orientation, National MBG Anniversary Mass and Convention, SLRP’s daily masses, weekly holy hour, monthly dawn procession, novena masses, and the like. Consistently, it meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month with gospel reading, refection and sharing among the members. Most of the members likewise join the annual MBG summer outing.

MBG Officers (2009-11)

President: Catalina Feliciano
Vice President: Soledad Adre
Executive Secretary: Carmela Lim
Recording Secretary: Paulina Gomez
Asst Recording Secretary: Helen Pardo
Treasurer: Hermenegilda Chua
Asst. Treasurer: Elvira Mateo
Auditor: Feliciana Jingco
Vestment Custodian: Francisca Cayas
Spiritual Director: Father Luke Dobles

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Music Ministry

Choirs have played an integral part in all liturgical celebrations in San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (SLRP) even before it was officially established. During the time of Father Thomas Nechikat, when SLRP was still a small chapel called “Church of the Resurrection,” there was already a youth choir pioneered by Ding Cariño. When Father Larry Toledo was appointed parish priest of SLRP in 1987, this choir adopted the name of SLRP Youth Choir under the leadership of Tess Yadao. The Apostleship of Prayer (AP) Choir was also formed and led by Ate Sylvia Tan.

With the appointment of Father Rolly Petronio as parish priest in 1993 and the growth of the SLRP community, Ate Sylvia became Head of the Parish Pastoral Council’s Worship Committee. The monthly Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) Seminars and prayer meetings inspired more young people to become active in serving the parish through music. The Praise Music Ministry was formed headed by Jun Salonga, Weng del Mundo, and Jean Cuadra. The SLRP Youth Choir then led by Dong Yadao was renamed Maharlika when it started to sing in a four-voice harmony (soprano, alto, tenor and bass).

During the time of Father Val de Vera as parish priest, the Couples for Christ Music Ministry headed by Kuya Ady Yazon, started to serve in the parish. Ate Sylvia formed the “Angels” comprising mostly of the Cuadra Children to sing “Reyna ng Langit” during the “Salubong” every Easter. The Praise Music Ministry was replaced by the “Dominic Boys” with Reden del Mundo, Nikki Español, Jun Salonga, Maynard Salonga, Robert Salonga, and Noli Trinidad as members.

In 2001 when Father Nelson Orqueta became parish priest, the first grand choir was convened during his installation. Father Nelson introduced a uniform song line-up for choirs. He provided all choirs a list of specific songs to sing for each Sunday of every month. He also started using music CDs as accompaniment during Mass on weekdays. The Daughters of Mary (DM) Sisters formed a children’s choir to sing in the 6:00am Mass every Sunday. Maharlika was renamed Gospel Choir with Rochelle Rufo as Coordinator.

Ate Sylvia was appointed Head of the Music Ministry when Father Pong del Rosario became parish priest. Upon her initiative, the Children’s Choir, originally composed of the “Angels” and the Cuadra Family, was assigned to Ate Tess Virata who became the choir’s instrumentalist. In 2004, upon the invitation of Father Pong to Brother Laya Victoria, the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family Life (CFC-FFL) commited their service to the parish by singing in the 6:30pm Mass every Saturday and the 6:00am Sunday Mass. The Enzo Choir was also formed with Pam del Mundo as Coordinator. Father Pong later established the SLRP Grand Choir to sing during special occasions, where he invited Danny Monte and Vera del Rosario to become its Music Directors. He also introduced the choir rotation to allow the parishioners to get to know the different choirs serving in the parish.

Under the leadership of Father Luke Dobles, the SLRP Music Ministry was reorganized through a planning session held in January 2007. Roles and responsibilities were defined and the vision and mission statements were formulated. Edmon Montañez became the Music Director. Upon the request of Father Luke, the Gospel Choir headed by Joseph Abarado, took the lead in singing the Responsorial Psalm every Sunday during the 6:30pm Mass. Father Luke also introduced the regular faith sharing cum business meeting at least once a month to effectively build the spirit of cooperation among all members.

Music Ministry Officers

Coordinator: Sylvia Tan
Music Director: Edmon Montañez
Secretary: Mavic Montañez
Treasurer: Linda Duritan

Choir Coordinators:
AP Choir: Sylvia Tan
Couples for Christ A: Bart Languido
Couples for Christ B: Joi Lumba
Enzo Choir: Pam del Mundo
Gospel Choir: Nancy Trinidad
Himig SanLo: Tess Virata

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Social Services and Development Ministry

The Social Services and Development Ministry (SSDM) has been in existence here in San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (SLRP) for sometime even though its current and formal name was just determined in 2002. Although the ministry had been doing its share of community service in the past (during the chairmanship of Kuya Rene Jimenez and Kuya Atong Tribdino), it kept a low profle with its involvement in the parish. Through the years, the SSDM started to expand its outreach activities like the Yuletide gift-giving assistance to marginalized parishioners, mass weddings and mass baptsms.

In June 2003, about a year after the creation of the new Diocese of Novaliches where a small part of the former SLRP was ceded to, the new SLRP Parish Pastoral Council was formed and the SSDM formally came to be. Kuya Kerrel Flor was appointed as its first head. With the coming of the new Parish Priest, Father Luke, in June 2007, the PPC reorganized itself, elected its new set of officers, and installed the new ministries, including the SSDM.

Under the PPC, the SSDM implements community services and development programs to promote the general well-being of the parish. It is tasked to improve the quality of life of the less fortunate in the parish, promote social awareness through involvement in various activities with the current social concerns, and maintain continuous and effective liaison with public and private organizations engaged in public service.

This relatively new ministry is now composed of more or less twenty (20) members, all products of the Parish Renewal Experience. Continuous formation of the members is ongoing in coordination with CARITAS Novaliches through the Diocese of Novaliches. Members’ formation covers various areas, such as: organization, training/formation, operations program and resource mobilizaton. To date the ministry has accomplished a number of projects in its work program for 2008. Among the projects currently in the pipeline for this year are the Pondo ng Pinoy, Parish Feeding Program and the Mass Wedding, all prioritized by hardworking yet happy members of the SSDM.

SSDM Officers

Coordinators: Boy and Heidi Temporal
Secretary: Lynn Doliente
Treasurer: Bimbot Sevilla
Public Relations Officer: Anne Arcega

Organization: Cel Cabatac and Narcy Ramos
Training/Formation: Anne Arcega and Lynn Doliente
Operation Program: Bimbot Sevilla and Kerrel Flor
Resource Mobilization: Cora Zipagan and Vivian Atenza

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Catechetical Ministry

The Catechetical Ministry (CM) is a much sought after and the most essential program of the Catholic Church. Our own San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (SLRP) has had this ministry since its founding in 1987. With the unwavering support of all past parish priests, and the full support of the sisters of the Daughters of Mary congregation, it has continued to thrive in its work of taking care of the spiritual welfare of its followers through catechism.

The parish priests who initially gave their support to make it an official ministry were Fathers Thomas Nechikat, Larry Toledo and Rolando Petronio. They were the first to handle a group of catechists coming from seminaries and congregations of religious groups within the vicinity of Barangay Culiat. Members of the Legion of Mary, with Ate Evelyn De Guia, also contributed in teaching catechism to the Culiat High School and Elementary students. Among those involved in its early days were the Agustinian seminarians, Vincentian seminarians, as well as those from the Parish of Our Lady of Consolation, together with the sisters from the Daughters of Mary.

In 1997, Sister Lolit Franco recruited another set of volunteer catechists who were the school-based catechists of SLRP. They were trained through formation seminars under the supervision and facilitation of then Parish Priest Reverend Father Percival de Vera and Sister Magdalena of the Mission Catechism of Saint Theresa. They also attended stay-in seminars at San Carlos Seminary during the time SLRP was still under the Archdiocese of Manila.

In 2005, the Diocese of Novaliches was established and SLRP fell under its jurisdiction. Father Emmanuel Del Rosario, the parish priest at that time, gave his wholehearted support to the ministry which boosted the morale of the catechists. However, Culiat High School was the only school that remained under the area covered by SLRP and the catechists continued to teach the students regularly.

Today the CM is in full force fulfilling its mandate of evangelization. Pre-Baptism and Confrmation seminars are regularly conducted for those who have yet to receive these sacraments. Catechism is needed in order to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist, while Christian Doctrine and Pre-Cana seminars are given to those who will receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. A series of rigid studies on the doctrines of the Catholic Church is also required for converts from other religions.

The Ministry continues its activities and programs and has recently given birth to a Sunday School for children aged 6 to 14 years old. It is also planning for a Sunday School for Toddlers. With the graces and blessings of God, the ministry will prosper and progress in spreading the Good News, the message of Christ to the Apostles, which was handed down through generations.

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Parish Youth Ministry

BUHAY…MULAT…KUMIKILOS!!!

That is the Youth of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish today. After a long hiatus, it was only in 2007 that the idea of reliving the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) was formed. It was not easy. It was like starting all over again. But with the grace of God, a core group was formed from the members of the old PYM. With several activities lined up for Youth Ministry by its appointed officers, it is truly worth giving up time for gimmick, computer games and others.

Driven by the theme taken from the PYM Youth Camp: Youth-Unite, Serve, and Encourage, this year’s appointed officers are working for the realizaton of the ministry’s goal: uniting the youth through service to the Lord Jesus Christ and the church, and evangelizing others like themselves. With the help of Father Luke Dobles, the Parish Pastoral Council and Kuya Eric Castillo, the ministry has been continually enthusiastic and hopeful in encouraging the youth to participate in church activities for personal, spiritual, and social development.

SLRP had its first Youth Congress in November 30, 2007. During the Holy Week in 2008, the PYM presented real-life situations through a mini-drama during the Stations of the Cross. The PYM also organized a Youth Camp from April 18 to 20, 2008 in the Servants of Charity Seminary. The PYM was invited by Radio Veritas for an interview on August 25, 2008 in relation to the 21st Founding Anniversary of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish. They also presented a theatrical interpretaton on the life and martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz back-to-back with Fusion ‘08, a fund-raising concert of the Music Ministry together with the PYM on September 26, 2008.

Fund-raising activities are on-going to support the ministry’s programs for the holistic development of the youth. Regular meetings are held every first Friday of the month. The Youth Mass is held every 2nd Sunday of the month at 6:30pm.

PYM Officers

Coordinator: Kevin Salonga
Secretary: Cora Pangyarihan
Treasurer: Pam del Mundo

Committee Heads:
Spiritual Development: Kate Geronimo
Social Action: Jet Yap
Creative Liturgy: Anton Mamawag

Advisers:
Al and Karen Yap
Mon and Mavic Montañez

Spiritual Director: Father Luke Dobles

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Ministry of Mass Media

The Ministry of Mass Media (MMM) of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (SLRP) is a newly organized service arm of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). It was conceptualized in the latter half of 2007 when the PPC was undergoing its reorganization and was commissioned in December 9, 2007.

The ministry is the public information arm of the PPC with the following objectives:
1) Prepare templates and project audio-visual presentations during anticipated Saturday and Sunday masses in church;
2) Inform parishioners of the activities and programs of the PPC, the different ministries and organizations;
3) Gather news and events in the parish;
4) Publish the parish newsletter and fiesta souvenir program; and
5) Report the financial standing of the different ministries.

The MMM is made up mostly of dedicated, driven and God-centered young men and women committed to bringing the message of God’s salvaton to every corner of the parish and keeping everyone informed of parish happenings. It is the ministry’s small way of helping the parish priest and the PPC build a community that is alive, awake and active in building God’s heaven in SLRP.

MMM Officers

Coordinators: Al and Karen Yap
Assistant Coordinators: Mon and Mavic Montañez
Secretary: Cora Pangyarihan
Treasurer: Anton Mamawag
Finance Coordinator: Josie Cruz
Editor-in-Chief: Kate Geronimo
Art Director: Joseph Abarado
Website Developer: Gino Luis Velasquez
Adviser: Catalina Feliciano

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Apostleship of Prayer

On the first Friday of April 1990, the Apostleship of Prayer (AP) was organized in San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish with 25 members, all of whom were women. The AP holds its regular monthly meeting every first Sunday of the month at 9:00am at the parish multi-purpose hall. For its growth and further development, the AP accepts new members and arranges for their induction by imposing the Scapular of the Sacred Heart. The AP attends all parish formation seminars and participates in whatever parish activity there is and whatever is assigned to them.

The Apostleship of Prayer undertakes the following activities:
1) Enthronement of the Twin Hearts (Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary) in the homes of all the members and parishioners;
2) Leading of the Holy Hour every first Friday of the month;
3) Leading the prayers before the Blessed Sacrament every Friday afternoon;
4) Leading the Novena for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and celebrate the Feast Day with love and devotion;
5) Prepare and lead the prayers for the Way of the Cross during the Lent;
6) Give support and a helping hand in activities during the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz;
7) Organize pilgrimages to the churches around Metro Manila and other provinces like Bulacan, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Pangasinan and Bicol; and
8) Collaborate with the AP of the Diocese of Novaliches in all its undertakings.

AP Officers

President: Lourdes S. Sarmiento
Vice President: Lourdes dela Cruz
Secretary: Helen Alquiza
Treasurer: Consuelo Castillo
Assistant Treasurer: Ely Conocido
Auditor: Lourdes Faustino

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Legion of Mary

Established by the late Frank Duff in Dublin, Ireland, on September 7, 1921, the Legion of Mary (LOM) is an Association of Catholics sanctioned by the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate. Frank DufF, for whom a prayer for his beatification as the Servant of God, had for the Legion a twofold purpose — the spiritual development of the members and advancing the reign of Christ through Our Lady. Specifically, the general objectives of the Legion are to destroy the empire of sin, uproot its foundation, and promote the standard of Christ the King.

The history of the LOM in the Philippines traced its organization 65 years ago. Here in the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, this ministry was organized 19 years ago by Professor Lina Antonio. She was the first president of the Praesidium named “Mary, Mother of God”.

Legionary membership consists of active and auxiliary members. The former, at present numbering 15, are mainly retired professional career women. Their duty as such is to do apostolic substantial work in the parish. On the other hand, the auxiliaries, made up of different levels in the parish, has 21 members. They are unable to assume the duties of active membership. However, they are associates of the Legion because of their convicton that they are supplementing self-sacrifice and heroic services. In short, they are “prayer warriors” of the LOM. The one and most important requirement of a member of the LOM is the daily recital of
the prayers in the Tessera.

The apostolic work done by the current active members of the Legion of Mary in this parish are:
1) Home visitation for personal contact with families to show the church’s concern for them
2) Conducting of religious instruction classes and likewise preparation for first communion of children
3) Visit to the elderly women committed by their families in Credo, Inc., at Fairview, Quezon City, a private paying home, and the Golden Acres, a government institution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for both elderly men and women who have been abandoned by their children and relatives and picked up in the streets located at Misamis Extension, Quezon City
4) Attendance at funeral wakes with mass and the rosary
5) Collaboration in the apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish priest, specifically in assisting in the First Friday Mass at Culiat High School and at the Asia School of Arts and Sciences
6) Visitation to street children in their temporary home in “Bukid ng Kabataan”, General
Trias, Cavite, under the management of the Good Shepherd nuns
7) Pilgrimage to the Mountain of Salvation in Caleruaga, Batangas and in the churches in Laguna
8) Block rosary supervision over seven units in the parish
9) Family counseling
10) Assistance to senior citizens in their medical concerns
11) Organization of junior legionaries whose members are still on probation

San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish has notably a handful of legionaries as compared with other ministries. Perhaps the difficulty in the recruitment of members is attributed to the lack of knowledge and understanding of the objectives of the LOM and its dependency on financial resources of the members themselves. Solicitation, request for donations and fund-raising activities are taboo in the Legion of Mary.

LOM Officers

President: Josie Tolentino
Vice President: Aurora Tribdino
Secretary: Rosario Cortes
Treasurer: Alicia Go
Auditor: Remy Jodloman

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Block Rosary Crusade

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Block Rosary Crusade (BRC) is an organization comprised of groups of families living in the same community, united by the same fervor and devotion to Mama Mary leading them to our Lord Jesus Christ through the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

It all started in 1995, when Mrs. Lolit Franco, a Marian devotee, an active and concerned parishioner and a generous benefactor in SLRP, had observed that during those times, parishioners and neighbors seem to be strangers to each other. Moreover, she realized that there must be an organization which will support the catechists during that time, led by the Daughters of Mary Sisters, Sister Delia Mendonez, DM and Sister Mameng Miralo, DM.

With all the prayers and heavenly blessings, the BRC came about with Mrs. Lolit Franco as the first president. This made the BRC one of the most organized, most active, and most well-funded organization in the parish during that time. This was the First Phase of the BRC.

In the year 2002, there was a division of the diocese wherein the parishioners from Sanville and the nearby subdivisions across Tandang Sora were separated and assigned to the Diocese of Cubao, leaving SLRP on its own under the Diocese of Novaliches. This became the start of the Second Phase.

Today, with Ate Cora Bartolome as its president, the BRC carries out its mission of reaching out to as many families in the community to bring Jesus Christ to them through Mama Mary.

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Parish Renewal Experience

The Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) was introduced to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (SLRP) by the PREX Secretariat of the Good Shepherd Parish of Fairview in July 1993. With the approval of Father Larry Toledo, Kuya Dante and Ate Baby Liban coordinated the first class at the Claret Formation Center in Tandang Sora Avenue. Four months after, PREX classes were conducted every month at the SLRP Hall. A couple of years later, when the group encountered difculty in getting candidates, the schedule changed and was held every other month. The Chairpersons during that time were Kuya Mar dela Torre and Kuya Dave Castro. The PREX family recognized the late Kuya Emer Visaya and his wife, Ate Lulu Visaya, as the pillars of the growth of the PREX family in SLRP since they were the ones who nurtured its formation and unity for eight years. They earned the endearing title as the Father and Mother of PREX in SLRP.

It was during Father Val de Vera’s time that the SLRP started its outreach program to two parishes: De La Paz Parish in Makati and Sta. Quiteria and St. Francis de Assisi Parish in Caloocan. The PREX Secretariat provided leaders’ formation and training of speakers and sharers, until they could independently conduct their own PREX weekends.

In August 2001, after PREX Class 63, Father Nelson Orquieta temporarily suspended PREX for the possible inclusion of the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) concepts in the talks. No seminars were conducted from September 2001 to November 2003. Father Pong del Rosario revived it in December 2003, a year after taking over as parish priest. In January 2006, he appointed Kuya Buddy and Ate Bing Lising as the new PREX Chair Couple.

Since 2007, the PREX Secretariat of SLRP has embarked on its role of evangelization through the integration and sharing of its resources in speakers, sharers and music ministry with other parishes like the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Philand Subdivision and the San Jose, Ang Tagapagtanggol Parish in Commonwealth Avenue. With the mindset to improve and update themselves for the common purpose of being effective evangelizers of the parish, the members of PREX willingly attended the Speakers and Music Ministry workshops conducted for the Diocese of Novaliches by the Christ the King Parish in coordination with the National Association of Parish Prex Secretariats (NAPPS).

In time for the feast of San Lorenzo, the 15th year anniversary and general reunion of all 2,348 PREX graduates from 85 classes was held on August 30, 2008 to ignite the fervor and zest needed for a more effective implementation of the BEC in the parish.

The able support, loving commitment, and guidance of SLRP Parish Priest and formator, Father Luke Dobles, has made evangelization through PREX become a passion and drive of PREX graduates to become effective evangelizers and make a difference in the lives of their families and the church.

PREX Secretariat

Chair Couple: Kuya Buddy and Ate Bing Lising
Vice Chair Couple - Internal: Kuya Ed and Ate Bel Geronimo
Vice Chair Couple - External: Kuya Oca and Ate Lety Calma
Secretary: Kuya Mac and Ate Jing Desiderio
Assistant Secretary: Kuya Sixto Mangalindan
Treasurer: Kuya Boy and Ate Heidi Temporal
Custodians: Kuya Sonny and Ate Cleo del Rosario

Active members:
Kuya Jim and Ate Lou Batislaong
Kuya Boy Pagaduan
Kuya Fred Panlilio
Kuya Ben and Ate Puring Reyes
Ate Chi Salonga
Kuya Ric and Ate Cora Zipagan

PREX Music Ministry:
Ate Francing Cayas
Ate Ely Conocido
Ate Luz Cuadra
Ate Amie de la Pacion
Ate Cina del Mundo
Ate Cora Obias
Kuya Meynard and Ate Chat Salonga
Ate Jenny Satuito
Ate Sylvia Tan

Adviser: Ate Lulu Visaya

Spiritual Director and Formator: Father Luke Dobles

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Basic Ecclesial Community

Mumunting Kapitbahayang Kristiyano ng Parokya ng San Lorenzo Ruiz

The vision of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish (SLRP) is to establish small communities of Christians, communities rooted in families who gather around the Word of God and the Eucharist. United to the parish priest but ministered and collaborated by the laity, the members actively participate in the programs and activities held regularly in the parish. They are led to realize and experience the new way of “being church” – that of belonging to one big family, living like brothers and sisters, showing deep concern for both the material and spiritual needs of one another in their respective neighborhoods and knowing the members of each family by name.

The SLRP used to have 42 areas for Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) implementation, having had an initial survey and area mapping made by appointed parish leaders. In 2002, the said areas were drastically reduced to only five, brought about by the subdivision of the Archdiocese of Manila and the creation of the new dioceses of Quezon City and Novaliches, which resulted in the new assignment of territorial boundaries between the latter two. SLRP used to be a part of Quezon City, but is now assigned to the Diocese of Novaliches. Thus, the original BEC orientation including its vision-mission statements, planning and evaluaton, as well as the mapping of areas were set aside and deemed inoperable.

In 2003, with the reorganization of the new areas of SLRP, BEC leaders and working committees undertook the task of forming new BEC programs, projects and activities. These include:

2003
1) BEC Orientation Sessions in Antipolo with Father Tony Labiao and Father Pong Del Rosario
2) Appointment of parish leaders and pastoral workers
3) Revival of PREX classes every two months

2004
1) Team building and bonding of parish leaders in Baguio, conducted by two invited facilitators
2) Area Mapping
3) Survey forms issued to and retrieved from the five areas
4) Street masses held every Saturday by areas
5) Pilot Area Testing – Cruz Compound with a religious sister and a lay leader as coordinators
6) Christmas Street Décor contest per area
7) “Caracol” street dancing annually on the parish fiesta day in all areas
8) Dawn Rosary procession sponsored by each area every first Saturday of the month which ends with the 6:00am Mass followed by “salusalo” or breakfast for all
9) Easter Egg Hunt for children coming from the areas

2005
1) “Lakbay-Aral” for the youth from the 5 areas at San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Binondo, Quirino Granstand and Breakwater in Luneta, Manila Cathedral and Wow Philippines Bazaar
2) Pilgrimage to Antipolo by foot
3) Film showing every Saturday evening of Lent
4) “Pabasa” on Holy Monday until Holy Wednesday
5) Seven Last Words on Good Friday
6) Weekly Bible sharing in each area

2006
1) Sportsfest for the youth, as well as adults, partcipated in by all areas
2) “Kumpisalang Bayan” held at Christmas and Lent
3) PREX classes conducted on a quarterly basis to date

2007
1) Continue and sustain aforecited activities
2) Review of PREX talks conducted by Father Luke as well as close monitoring of PREX classes
3) Reorganization of the PREX Secretariat for improved efficiency, effectiveness and interpersonal relationship to serve as venue for BEC implementation
4) Weekly bible reading and faith sharing conducted in a few BEC areas to gradually spread to all areas
5) General monthly prayer meetings planned for all areas at the parish level
6) Programs for empowering the laity through theological and pastoral formation at St. Vincent School of Theology in Tandang Sora Avenue, QC

Three parish leaders completed 14 sessions on basic Theology for Lay Leaders from August 2007 to March 2008 and three parish leaders attended 11 sessions in a BEC Organizing Skills Course from July 12 to December 13, 2008. The BEC continues to implement the said courses to bring in much needed life and vitality to the organization and to the parish.

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Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney on October 2, 1881 and was formally launched in February 1882. The K of C is a world-wide lay Catholic family fraternal service organization, open to all practical Catholic men in Communion with the Holy See, aged 18 and above. The term “practical Catholic” implies that a person accepts and abides by the Commandments of God and the precepts and tenets of the Catholic Church.

The K of C San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Council 9719 was established in January 1988 with 31 charter members when Reverend Father Larry Toledo was the Parish Priest. Today, the Council is proud to have more than 100 members from Barangay Culiat and its environs.

The Council, as a fraternal organization, has always been at the forefront of providing service to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Church. All members of the K of C are mindful of the knightly qualites of spirituality and service to The Church. The Council engages itself in various community activities, especially in the depressed areas of Culiat. The members involve themselves in the gathering and distribution of relief goods for disaster stricken areas, medical missions and others. During that time, the council’s Charter Grand Knight was SK Moises Pardo, Jr. with SK Wilfredo Panlilio as the recorder.

The main objectives of the K of C are to render pecuniary aid to its members, their families and beneficiaries; give mutual aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and the needy families; promote social and intellectual communication among the ministry’s members; and conduct educational, charitable, religious and social welfare programs.

Among the notable projects of the K of C 9719 is the installation of the SLRP brass signage at the front of the church, construction of the comfort rooms beside the church, and the “One-Million Signature” fund-raising project for the construction of the new SLRP church.

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Couples for Christ

Couples for Christ (CFC) was established in 1981 but the call for families in the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth is still as strong and as enduring as ever. Starting with only sixteen (16) couples, CFC has since amassed more than a million members in over a hundred countries through the will of God and the perseverance and faith of its members. In 1993, the rest of the Family Ministries were established, namely: Kids for Christ (KFC), Youth for Christ (YFC), Singles for Christ (SFC), Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD), and Servants of the LORD (SOLD). The Family Ministries has since been aptly called the “Womb to Tomb Ministry”, catering to the need for an environment flled with support and encouragement for every age category in a family.

Steadily realizing the mission for renewal in communities everywhere, CFC conducted San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish Church’s first Christan Life Program (CLP) in 1992. But while CFC was actively evangelizing in other communities all over the country, it was not until February 1996 that the CFC in SLRP was formed with Brother Ady Yazon appointed as chapter head of some sixty-five couples. Since then, the growth in membership has resulted in the division of the chapter into two separate groups with Brother Sonny Bonjoc and Brother June Junia as chapter heads starting the year 2000.

As active participants in the great mission, the organization has continued to serve the Parish with enthusiasm and humility. Along with the formation of the two self-sustaining albeit united chapters, the Social Ministries of CFC in SLRP adopted the Church of the Poor, which was built for the expression of the mission all over the country.

Responding to the call for rapid and massive evangelization, Gawad Kalinga (GK) was initiated nationwide, giving birth to GK 777 on October 2004. The aim is to build 700,000 houses in 7,000 Barangays or GK Communites in the next 7 years to provide homes and sustainable communites for many families in the Philippines.

Today, the two CFC chapters serve in SLRP – Cluster 1B and Cluster 1C from Sub-District 3 of the Archdiocese of Novaliches, led by Brother Joi Lumba and Brother Bart Languido, respectively. As hopeful and committed as ever, CFC, along with the rest of the CFC Social Ministries, remains steadfast in God and His plans for everyone, continuously volunteering any service He may require of the Ministries.

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